Synergistic and additive effects of epigallocatechin gallate and digitonin on Plasmodium sporozoite survival and motility.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Most medicinal plants contain a mixture of bioactive compounds, including chemicals that interact with intracellular targets and others that can act as adjuvants to facilitate absorption of polar agents across cellular membranes. However, little is known about synergistic effects between such potential drug candidates and adjuvants. To probe for such effects, we tested the green tea compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and the membrane permeabilising digitonin on Plasmodium sporozoite motility and viability.

Methodology/principal findings

Green fluorescent P. berghei sporozoites were imaged using a recently developed visual screening methodology. Motility and viability parameters were automatically analyzed and IC50 values were calculated, and the synergism of

SUBMITTER: Hellmann JK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2800191 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature